The mammoth project to rehabilitate the Pulaski Skyway - closing it for northbound traffic toward New York for up to two years - will start about six weeks later than initially thought.

The state Department of Transportation said today the work will begin April 12 on the historic but decrepit 81-year-old steel truss bridge and causeway that stretches from Newark to Jersey City.

Travel will continue to be allowed on the two southbound lanes from New York to New Jersey during the major rehabilitation, which will replace the entire riding surface.

During the repairs, the eastbound shoulder of the New Jersey Turnpike extension on Interstate 78 in Hudson County will be used as a third lane during the peak traveling hours of 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays.

In addition, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and state DOT will try to reduce delays by using a network of traffic signal controls, wireless communications and vehicle detection sensors to constantly make traffic light adjustments based on traffic flow.